Portland expects Bornstein to come back to MLS

'Just because he stays there for 4 years, 10 years, 15 years down in Mexico doesn’t mean he’s g

November 24, 2010

Mike Leary/Chivas USA Communications

cdchivasusa.com

The expansion Portland Timbers drafted Chivas USA defender Jonathan Bornstein with the 15th overall pick (8th for Portland) in the 2010 MLS Expansion Draft. Bornstein has signed a 4-year deal with Mexican club Tigres starting in January, but that did not dissuade the Timbers from taking the longtime Chivas USA defender.

Portland Head Coach John Spencerresponded to drafting Bornstein in the Expansion Draft by saying, “Respecting the contract length, as we all know, has been in the game a long time. Contracts are only worth the paper they’re written on and just because he stays there for 4 years, 10 years, 15 years down in Mexico doesn’t mean he’s going to complete that contract. There’s a possibility that after the course of time that Jonathan Bornstein may end up back in Major League Soccer.”

Bornstein is set to report to Tigres this weekend for the first time as a player after serving 5 years with Chivas USA. He is the Red-and-White’s all-time leader in games played (122), games started (116) and minutes played (10,550). In addition, he has scored nine goals and recorded nine assists during that time, while also earning 35 caps for the U.S. National Team.